Elton John (79) retired from touring life in 2023. Since then, the music star has only been playing individual shows. Now an unusual project is being announced: According to the British newspaper "The Sun", citing an insider, the pop star has signed "a seven-figure contract" for an open-ended concert residency in Las Vegas. The catch: It won't be Elton John himself standing on stage, but his digital likeness - a hologram.
To Be Seen Starting Summer 2027
According to the report, fans could experience the "Rocket Man" this way for decades to come. The show is set to launch in summer 2027 at the new Hard Rock Hotel. The British tabloid's insider speaks of an "immersive experience" rather than a classic residency.
Musical companions are also said to be part of the concept: Dua Lipa (30) is also expected to appear in digital form. She is friends with Elton John and has already recorded the song "Cold Heart" with him. Additionally, Kiki Dee (79), with whom he sang "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", is also expected to be seen as a hologram. In the fall, the artists are scheduled to come together for recordings at Pinewood Studios in the English county of Buckinghamshire.
ABBA Leading the Way
It wouldn't be the first hologram show by a living music icon. Since 2022, ABBA have been standing on stage as holograms with their "Abba Voyage" show in London, accompanied by a live band. The new concept is said to be similar according to the source, but "significantly more sophisticated" thanks to technological advances. The insider expressed confidence that the result will look "phenomenal".
Elton John had retired from touring for family reasons, among others. In interviews, he emphasized wanting to spend more time with his sons, whom he has with husband David Furnish (63). Additionally, the singer has increasingly struggled with health problems in recent years. After a fall in 2021, he had to undergo surgery and postpone his farewell tour. In 2024, a severe eye infection resulted in him almost completely losing his vision in his right eye.
